I am a survivor of domestic violence, and my experience with the legal system in North Carolina has opened my eyes to the urgent need for reform. North Carolina must strengthen protections for survivors of domestic violence by implementing increased penalties, broader protective orders, and allowing immediate divorce for those affected by such abuse. The current legal framework falls short, leaving countless survivors vulnerable with limited legal recourse and insufficient protection.

* Between 2019 and 2021, there were 185,936 incidents of partner or family-violence reported in North Carolina. ([NC Newsline][1])
* During that same period, nearly 22,000 incidents of aggravated assault or homicide were committed by a current or former intimate partner or family member. ([NC Newsline][1])
* In 2021, 71% of domestic- and family-violence victims were women, and 81% of incidents occurred in a residence or home. ([NC DPS][2])
* In 2024 alone, the state recorded a record-high number of domestic violence–related homicides — representing a nearly 70% increase in DV homicides between 2018 and 2024. ([WRAL News][3])
* Research shows current sanctions are inadequate: about 25% of those convicted of domestic violence are re-arrested after their conviction. ([Center for Public Health Law Research][4])

These numbers show domestic violence is neither rare nor minor — it’s a widespread crisis affecting thousands of North Carolinians. Yet our laws still treat first-time domestic violence often as a minor offense, and many civil protections have serious limitations.

What North Carolina Law Currently Allows (That Must Change)

* Under the civil law known as the “DVPO” (Chapter 50B of the North Carolina General Statutes), a protective order may be issued — but a “permanent” protective order is typically valid for only one year, after which it must be renewed. ([EdNC][5])
* While a DVPO can order the abuser to vacate the shared residence and prohibit contact, many survivors still remain at risk if an abuser lives “next door,” or nearby — geographic proximity is seldom restricted.
* As of December 2023, the state recognized a new offense explicitly titled “misdemeanor crime of domestic violence,” aligning more with federal law. ([lkn-law.com][6])
* Despite this, a first domestic violence conviction often results only in probation, fines, or minimal sanctions — and studies show these low sanctions do not effectively prevent repeat offenses. ([Center for Public Health Law Research][4])
* Under existing divorce law (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 50‑6), obtaining an “absolute divorce” typically requires a full year of separation — even when abuse or domestic violence is involved. ([injuryfreenc.dph.ncdhhs.gov][7])

We Demand the Following Reforms

1. End “probation-only” sentences for domestic violence convictions. 

In North Carolina, the existing laws often prioritize the notions of "probation only" for domestic violence offenders. This leniency can embolden abusers, providing them with an opportunity to repeatedly harm their victims without facing stricter consequences. Research shows that states with more stringent penalties for domestic violence record a reduction in repeat offenses. It is crucial that North Carolina amends its laws to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable in a manner that truly deters abuse and protects survivors.

*First-time domestic violence offenses involving assault, threats, stalking, or harassment should carry mandatory sentencing guidelines — not light probation or trivial fines — to reflect the seriousness of the crime and deter recidivism.

2. Expand protective order provisions to include geographic separation.

Moreover, the scope of protective orders needs to be expanded. Currently, protective orders in North Carolina are often restrictive and do not cover all the necessary scenarios that encompass the safety and welfare of the victims. For example, they might not always grant full protection from third-party contact or cover childcare provisions, leaving gaps that can be exploited by determined abusers. Broader protective orders would enable survivors to live without fear and regain control over their lives.

*Allow courts to impose a mandatory minimum distance (a safety-zone radius) between a convicted abuser and the survivor’s residence, workplace, or school — preventing an abuser from simply living “next door.”
  *Allow extensions or renewals of protective orders beyond one year in cases of ongoing risk — without requiring the survivor to re-prove danger annually.

3. Allow immediate divorce (or expedited dissolution) when domestic violence is involved.

Another significant issue is the impossibility for survivors to obtain an immediate divorce in cases of abuse. The emotional and physical distress caused by prolonged legal procedures can exacerbate the trauma of survivors, making it difficult for them to move forward with their lives. Other jurisdictions have already adopted laws allowing immediate divorce under circumstances of domestic violence, proving to be a crucial lifeline for those in need.

 *Create a statutory exception so survivors of verified domestic violence do not have to wait an entire year of separation before filing for and obtaining an absolute divorce.
  *This will allow survivors to sever legal ties quickly and reduce the opportunity for abusers to exploit the separation period for harassment or manipulation.

4. Improve accountability and recidivism prevention.

*Implement more consistent prosecution, sentencing, and follow-up in domestic violence cases.
  *Recognize that low sanctions — fines or probation — often do not prevent repeat offenses; adopt policies that reflect the gravity and long-term harm of domestic violence.

We believe these reforms are not only just — they are essential.

Every person has the right to safety and dignity in their own home. Survivors should not be forced to remain legally bound to their abusers. Nor should abusers be allowed to exploit loopholes in protective orders or court procedures, or suffer negligible consequences for their crimes.

I call on the North Carolina legislature to take action and bring about these necessary changes. By supporting reforms that impose stiffer penalties, enlarge protective orders, and permit immediate divorce for survivors, we can create a safer, more compassionate legal environment. Your support is essential in urging lawmakers to prioritize the safety and rights of domestic violence survivors.

Please stand with me in this fight for justice and protection. Sign this petition to demand that North Carolina lawmakers enact these critical changes to better protect those in need.